Vagabond Studios

DESIGN  SERVICES  ALL  OVER  THE  MAP

CARTO-GRAPHIC DESIGN,
DIGITAL MAPPING,
INFORMATION DESIGN,
ILLUSTRATION & PRINT SHOP 



WE ARE A SMALL, INDEPENDENT CREATIVE STUDIO BASED IN CHICAGO.


We design...

cartographic web projects.
custom maps & infographics.
digital vintage explorations.




Web Projects:

IndieMusicAtlas.com

A DIRECTORY OF THE INTERNET'S BEST INDEPENDENT RADIO
A carefully curated collection of the best community radio from around the world.

VISIT INDIE MUSIC ATLAS →

IndieMusicAtlas.com

MetroMaps.org

THE INTERNET'S ALTAS OF TRANSIT MAPS
Explore transit map designs from around the world. 

VISIT METRO MAPS .ORG →

MetroMaps.org

YachtCruiserAtlas.com

A DIGITAL DIRECTORY FOR VOYAGE PLANNING
Yacht cruiser atlas was born to simplify and streamline information design in an integrated map to easily find the details you need to effectively plan your next voyage. The current prototype is a Lake Michigan marina guide. 

VISIT YACHT CRUISER ATLAS  →

YachtCruiserAtlas.com

ChicagoHistoryMap.org

AN INTERACTIVE TOUR OF CHICAGO PAST
Inspired by the digitized university and library collections made available online, this project was developed as an approachable tour of Chicago's past by combining and streamlining cartography and images from a wide variety of these archives. The interface of this website aims to convey a sense of place and history through an interactive visual tour of the past somewhere in between nostalgia and academia.

VISIT CHICAGO HISTORY MAP →

Vagabond Studios ChicagoHistoryMap.org

Landmark District Story Map:

CASE STUDY OF THE SURF-PINE GROVE HISTORIC DISTRICT
Utilizing ArcGIS story maps, this project was created to study the historical architecture within a landmarked district of the city of Chicago. Through archived maps and photographs, the story aims to communicate a sense of living history within the neighborhood. 

SEE THE PROJECT →

Vagabond Studios ArcGIS Pine Grove Story Map

CartoGraphic Design:

Chicago Metro Map

TRANSIT MAP / DIAGRAM OF CTA & COMMUTER TRAINS
This (Unofficial) Map Design was created to combine and simplify all of the various train routes in the greater Chicago area including The EL, Metra, & South Shore Line. The diagram is streamlined to focus on urban rail exploration in the city and beyond, and how to navigate connections between the various hubs, routes, and operators.

SEE THE FULL MAP →

Chicago Metro Map Preview Image

New York Metro Map

TRANSIT MAP / DIAGRAM OF GREATER NEW YORK
The complexity involved in the Greater New York Transit systems is immeasurable. This map was designed with more geographic accuracy integrated while still simplifying angles to go easy on the brain, with a meticulous attention in the details of transfer stations and connections. 

SEE THE FULL MAP →

New York Metro Map by Vagabond Studios Design

Info-Map Designs:

COLLABORATION WITH ARCHIE'S PRESS
Simplifying structures and neighborhoods, these maps combine essential elements and local knowledge to create a final design that communicates the essence of these geographic locales. 

SEE THE MAPS →

Vagabond Studios CartoGraphic Designs

More Projects:

Life Design | A collection of advice in the field of positive psychology streamlined and compiled in a single infographic |  VIEW DIAGRAM  →

PreSquared.com | Website design & build for a medical technology company |  VIEW SITE  →
    Infographic / Diagram showing how the technology works and integrates into care coordination   |  VIEW DIAGRAM →

SoundPlumbing.com | Website built for a beloved local business |   VIEW SITE →

Chicago Pedway Map | Isometric Map showing the main artery of the Chicago pedestrian walkway system in the loop. |  VIEW MAP  →

FusionSEO |  Re-Design of a website for a digital marketing company  |  VIEW SITE →

CBC Yacht Charters | Promotional site for yacht charters booked via Chicago Boat Company  |  VIEW SITE  →

WebCamAtlas  |  A directory of some of the best views on the internet. (Highly recommended with an ad blocker via Firefox)  |   VIEW PROJECT  → 


Illustration & Print Shop:

CityArtPrints.com

ARCHITECTURE ILLUSTRATIONS
Born from our love of urban exploration & the stunning beauty of historic buildings, these prints were created to pay tribute to these architectural treasures and neighborhood institutions. We especially love the craftsmanship and attention to detail common in the era at the turn of the twentieth century.

VISIT THE PRINT SHOP →

Chicago Architecture Illustrations

About:

Ryan Wilson Bio - Vagabond Studios Design

Vagabond Studios was originally born as a part time venture and passion project while Ryan was living and working on yachts overseas. Inspired by the art and history of his experience abroad, many project ideas began to take shape in the world of cartography and design, and in recent years these projects were brought to life in the ever-evolving digital sphere. After 15 years of vagabonding with a laptop in a variety of cafes, airbnbs, and tiny cabins below deck, today the studio is proudly based in the city of Chicago.

Interested in collaborating on a project? 
Feel free to reach out with any questions or inquiries.

email: VagabondStudiosDesign@gmail.com

© Vagabond Studios Inc | Chicago IL 60657